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How To Trim A Bridle Path - Page 1 of 2

Everyone wants to trim a bridle path like a pro to have their horse looking their best. The "bridle path" on a horse is the area just behind the horse's ears where the mane has been clipped or trimmed. This area is commonly trimmed on all kinds of horses of all riding disciplines. Clipping the mane is this area creates a neat place for the bridle or halter to lay across the top of the head without long mane hairs to get in the way or get tangled.

In the photos and text below we'll give you some good tips on how to trim your horse's bridle path. Please keep in mind this article assumes your horse accepts being trimmed with electric clippers.

You can begin trimming at the front of the bridle path or the back; it's your choice. Usually, you will get a slightly closer cut by trimming against the growth of the hair. For a bridle path, this means trimming from the front (where the ears are) to back. In the photos we had some mane hairs blowing around in the wind so we chose to start at the back and trim forward because this made it a little easier for us to hold the mane hairs out of the way. We pushed the halter forward close to the ears and used our left hand to hold the mane down so it wouldn't accidentally get trimmed. Then we used our right hand to begin trimming the bridle path, moving the clippers forward up the horse's neck.

We're getting close to the back of the horse's ears where we want the bridle path to stop. We're going to stop cutting about 1 fingers' width behind the ears.

How To Trim A Bridle Path (you are on page 1 of 2)
Trim A Bridle Path - go to page 2 >>>

Oster Clippers

Oster carries several clippers that would be perfect from trimming a horse's bridle path and much more. Oster is famous for their A5 line of clippers, known for being lightweight, quiet, and with enough power for clipping the bridle path, around the face, and the legs.

The Oster A5 accommodates a wide variety of blades for all purposes, including:

• the #10 for general trimming,

• the #30 for close trimming,

• the #40 for extreme close trimming,

• and many more.

In addition to the A5, Oster also makes numerous other styles of clippers including cordless clippers and their Clipmaster line. The Oster Clipmaster is a larger trimmer, not suited for areas such as the face, but an excellent choice for body clipping horses and/or use on other livestock such as cattle and sheep.

Be Safe

When trimming your horse's bridle path you will be standing very close to the horse's head which can be dangerous if the horse should suddenly move its head or front legs. Use appropriate precautions and have a friend help you if necessary. If it's fly season you will also want to apply fly spray to your horse to encourage him or her to stand still.